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Gridlocked Blu-ray Review

Lock it away.

In “Gridlocked,” a tough former SWAT leader turned NYPD officer David Hendrix is tasked with having a wild actor (Brody) tail him as part of a probation. Upon entering a police training facility together, David and Brody (along with other officers) become accosted by a group of mercenaries (led by John Korver) seeking something of value at the facility. As if things weren’t bad enough, there’s also a dirty cop inside the facility. Will Brody, David and the officers be able to survive the attacks?

Director and co-writer Allan Ungar clearly tries to make a fun “Gridlocked” a throwback to 80’s cop movie classics, but the movie fails to ignite a spark. The low-budget buddy action-thriller may have some impressive action here and there, but the unnecessarily long movie is overshadowed by flat direction, underdeveloped characters, a paper thin plot, and groan worthy attempts at comedy (note the “Lethal Weapon” reference by Danny Glover himself). With a few polished rewrites, this movie could have worked, but as is, it’s a not funny or thrilling enough

On the plus side, the movie is loaded with talent which is certainly where the majority of the budget went to. Dominic Purcell (best known for “Prison Break” and “Legends of Tomorrow”) does a commendable job as the star here while Stephen Lang surprisingly steals the show as the villain. Relative newcomer Cody Hackman never feels like he belongs here as he is outacted by the entire cast. His comedic timing is also rather woeful to say the least. Vinnie Jones, Danny Glover and Saul Rubinek sadly have little to do here, but the veterans’ presence certainly never hurts the movie at all.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? The dark bland visual style doesn’t impress much even on hi-def. Granted, the transfer itself is adequate, but the cinematography doesn’t do the film any favors.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? A decent track that lacks punch.

Extras:

* Magnolia/Magnet trailers.
* 11 ½ minutes of deleted scenes.

* A 6 minute blooper reel.
* “Kicking It Old School: The Making Of Gridlocked” contains set footage, film clips, interviews, character and plot discussions, etc.
* “Inside The Action”- A behind-the-scenes look at the action.

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